Summary:
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is hosting the first-ever National Urban Rat Summit, bringing together leaders from across the country to discuss strategies for fighting rats.
The summit will feature experts from health officials to pest control managers, along with discussions on the science of rodent mitigation and challenges in parks, sewers, construction sites and public housing.
The city has appointed a 'Rat Czar' and implemented new sanitation rules for businesses and residents, created targeted rat mitigation zones, and launched a volunteer program called the "Rat Pack" to help with rat mitigation efforts.
Starting this November, all residential buildings with up to nine units will be required to use designated trash containers, which the city believes will help reduce the rats' food sources.
NYC Declares War on Rats: National Summit Brings Leaders Together to Fight the 'Public Enemy Number One'
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is hosting a historic National Urban Rat Summit, bringing together experts and leaders from across the country to tackle the city's ongoing rat problem. The two-day event at Pier 57 in Manhattan's Meatpacking District aims to develop strategies and share insights on winning the war on these furry foes.
"Let's be energetic. Let's share our ideas. Let's figure out how we unify against what I consider to be public enemy number one, Mickey and his crew," said Adams.
Attendees include officials from Boston, Chicago and Seattle, along with experts in rodent mitigation from health departments and pest control agencies. The summit focuses on the science behind rat control, addressing challenges in parks, sewers, construction sites and public housing.
NYC's 'Rat Czar' Leads the Charge
The summit comes as part of Mayor Adams' ongoing efforts to combat the city's rat problem. He appointed Kathleen Corradi, a former Brooklyn teacher, as the city's first-ever 'Rat Czar' in April 2023. Since then, the city has implemented new sanitation rules for businesses and residents, created targeted rat mitigation zones, and even launched a volunteer program called the "Rat Pack" to help with rat mitigation efforts.
New Sanitation Rules and the 'Rat Pack'
Starting this November, all residential buildings with up to nine units will be required to use designated trash containers, which the city believes will help reduce the rats' food sources. The city is also calling on volunteers to join the "Rat Pack" and help with rat mitigation efforts like shoveling mulch around trees.
The mayor remains optimistic that these initiatives, along with the insights gained from the National Urban Rat Summit, will significantly improve the city's rat problem and, in turn, the quality of life for New Yorkers.
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